Rainer on Leadership

There are many underappreciated people in your church. If you are in leadership, you must ensure they receive the proper recognition, encouragement, and resources. Josh and Sam discuss several groups that fly under the radar but are critical to everyday ministry. Nursery workers People rolling off of teams or committees First-time givers (and longtime faith givers) Custodians and those who help clean the facility Small group leaders Staff spouses Resources: Doctor of Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Smart Church Solutions FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights Church Answers Central The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: The Doctor of Ministry at Southern Seminary is designed to strengthen both you and your church. You’ll bring a real challenge from your ministry into the program—and through trusted faculty mentorship and applied theological study, you’ll develop a biblically grounded, practical plan that equips you to implement lasting change in your church. This is theological scholarship applied where it matters most: your local ministry. Study under faculty mentors who are both scholars and seasoned ministry leaders. Sharpen your thinking, deepen your theology, and lead with clarity. Build a network of peers who share your calling and understand your challenges. Learn how at sbts.edu/dmin.     Looking for a better way to manage your church or school facilities? eSPACE is the leading facility management software built specifically for churches. It helps you schedule events, manage work orders, and track assets – all in one place. You can even automate things like HVAC and door access to save time and money. Trusted by over 1,250 organizations – including some of the largest churches in the country. If you’re tired of spreadsheets, sticky notes, or last-minute maintenance emergencies, it’s time to check out eSPACE. Learn more and book a personalized demo at smartchurchsolutions.com/rainer/. The post The Least Appreciated People in Your Church (And What To Do About It) appeared first on Church Answers.

Thom and Sam welcome David Green, founder and CEO of Hobby Lobby, and Bill High, CEO of Legacy Stone, to the Rainer on Leadership podcast. Hobby Lobby employs 50,000 people at 1,000 stores in 48 states and grosses nearly $8 billion a year. Author of The Legacy Life, Leadership Not by the Book, and The Leader’s Devotional, Green received the World Changer award and the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. David, his wife, Barbara, and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren all live in Oklahoma City. Legacy Stone is a ministry dedicated to helping families thrive today and for generations to come. A former attorney, Bill also founded one of the largest charitable foundations in the country where they facilitated more than $6 billion in gifts. He has consulted with families on a global basis on the subject of family legacy. A recognized speaker and teacher, he is the author and coauthor of several books, including Leadership Not by the Book. He lives with his wife, Brooke, in the Kansas City area. Resources: “The Legacy Life: Leading Your Family to Make a Difference for Eternity” by David Green and Bill High (affiliate link) “Leadership Not by the Book: 12 Unconventional Principles to Drive Incredible Results” by David Green and Bill High (affiliate link) “The Leader’s Devotional: 90 Days of Biblical Wisdom for Honoring God in All You Do” by David Green and Bill High (affiliate link) Upward Sports Upward Sports: Pickleball Life Application Study Bible Church Connect Tyndale House Publishers Church Answers Platinum Membership FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: A Variety of Sports for Every Church. From basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, and baseball to running for adults — and now pickleball — Upward Sports offers flexible league options to fit your church’s unique needs. Exciting News: Did you hear? Pickleball is the newest offering – Claim your TWO free net sets, while supplies last! Launched in April, pickleball is perfect for middle and high schoolers — easy to learn, quick to set up, and highly engaging. Whether you prefer a traditional league or a flexible practice-and-play format, Upward Sports is here to guide you. Plus, to help you get started, Upward is offering two free Pickleball Net Sets when you create your league. But act fast — only 200 sets are available! Schedule your call today and build a purposeful pickleball ministry in your community. Learn more at www.Upward.org/Pickleball where you can access an equipment list, court dimensions, and more. Be the Neighborhood Church. Want to create a welcoming space for families? Upward Sports provides a first-class, well-organized, and fun league experience. As a self-sustaining ministry, any church — big or small — can get started. Customize your outreach ministry today. Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.     Experience profound transformation as you encounter God through the pages of the Life Application Study Bible. Bible engagement is not just about knowing Scripture; it’s about living it out! The Life Application Study Bible deepens your connection with God and inspires a transformed life through a growing relationship with Christ. Crafted by dedicated scholars and pastors, the Life Application Study Bible is filled with thousands of study resources that increase understanding so you can experience Scripture’s life-changing power. For readers from nine to ninety and beyond, the Life Application Study Bible is designed to help you find true heart transformation. Learn more here. The post The Legacy Life with David Green, Founder and CEO of Hobby Lobby, and Bill High, CEO of Legacy Stone appeared first on Church Answers.

Josh and Sam discuss innovative ways pastors can ethically use AI for sermon preparation. They share tips for stylistic feedback and refining complex theological points. The hosts highlight how AI can help shorten sermons and improve overall pacing, while also checking tone to avoid misinterpretations. They emphasize the importance of identifying potentially controversial phrases and brainstorming illustrations. Ultimately, they stress using AI as a helpful editing tool rather than a content creator.

Most unchurched people have some past connection to church—often from childhood. Our research found that 63% of the unchurched used to attend regularly. Their current indifference isn’t based on ignorance; it’s often rooted in real, past experiences. This means our efforts to reach them aren’t starting from zero. In this episode, Thom and Sam unpack what it means to engage the “dechurched”—those who’ve drifted away—and why this group might be more receptive than you think. Assume familiarity, not hostility, when engaging the unchurched. Past church experiences—good or bad—shape current attitudes. Holiday services are key re-entry points for many dechurched people. Reaching the unchurched begins by rebuilding broken or neglected bridges. Resources: Life Application Study Bible Church Connect Tyndale House Publishers Upward Sports Upward Sports: Pickleball “The Anxious Generation Goes to Church” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link) Good News Neighbors Toolkit Invite Your One Church Answers Platinum Membership FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: Experience profound transformation as you encounter God through the pages of the Life Application Study Bible. Bible engagement is not just about knowing Scripture; it’s about living it out! The Life Application Study Bible deepens your connection with God and inspires a transformed life through a growing relationship with Christ. Crafted by dedicated scholars and pastors, the Life Application Study Bible is filled with thousands of study resources that increase understanding so you can experience Scripture’s life-changing power. For readers from nine to ninety and beyond, the Life Application Study Bible is designed to help you find true heart transformation. Learn more here.   Start Preparing Now for 2026! Looking ahead to what’s next in your ministry? Create an outreach strategy that includes a warm invite for the whole family – use sports as that invite. Whether it’s basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball, pickleball, or running for adults, Upward Sports is ready to support your church in reaching families right in the heart of your community. All you need is access to a gym or field and one passionate leader — Upward will support you with the rest. A Variety of Sports for Every Church. From basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, and baseball to running for adults — and now pickleball — Upward Sports offers flexible league options to fit your church’s unique needs. Exciting News: Did you hear? Pickleball is the newest offering – Claim your TWO free net sets, while supplies last! Launched in April, pickleball is perfect for middle and high schoolers — easy to learn, quick to set up, and highly engaging. Whether you prefer a traditional league or a flexible practice-and-play format, Upward Sports is here to guide you. Plus, to help you get started, Upward is offering two free Pickleball Net Sets when you create your league. But act fast — only 200 sets are available! Schedule your call today and build a purposeful pickleball ministry in your community. Learn more at www.Upward.org/Pickleball where you can access an equipment list, court dimensions, and more. Be the Neighborhood Church. Want to create a welcoming space for families? Upward Sports provides a first-class, well-organized, and fun league experience. As a self-sustaining ministry, any church — big or small — can get started. Customize your outreach ministry today. Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers. The post The Unknown Connection Most Unchurched Have with the Church appeared first on Church Answers.

Discover the importance of intentional scheduling in church leadership. Learn about the value of ‘work on the work’ sessions and how to plan sermon series a year in advance. Dive into strategies for nurturing low-maintenance influencers and maintaining regular check-ins with key leaders. Explore the benefits of personal counseling for pastors and the necessity of prepping sermons well ahead of time. By prioritizing these meetings, leaders can reduce stress and enhance efficiency in their ministries.

From diapers to dating, parenting never stops presenting hard questions. But today’s concern is different: Gen Z teens are experiencing a full-blown collapse in social connection. Dating is down. Friend time is down. Jobs are down. According to Monitoring the Future, the percentage of antisocial high school seniors quintupled from 3.5% in 1995 to nearly 16% in 2022. But here’s the twist: the one group that remained more socially engaged? Teens who attend church monthly. In today’s episode, Ryan, Thom, and Sam unpack the surprising role of religion in keeping kids socially healthy—and what churches can do to help. Regular church attendance gives teens built-in opportunities for face-to-face connection. Youth groups and church events can fill the relational gaps left by declining extracurriculars and jobs. Churchgoing teens are less likely to be socially isolated across multiple categories. Don’t over-program—create organic spaces where teens can talk, laugh, and serve together. Equip parents with language and tools to balance screen time and real time. View your youth ministry as a key contributor to emotional and social development, not just spiritual growth. Resources: Rooted Upward Sports Upward Sports: Pickleball “High School Students Are Growing Incredibly Anti-Social” by Ryan Burge Ryan Burge “The Anxious Generation Goes to Church” by Thom S. Rainer (affiliate link) “The American Religious Landscape” by Ryan Burge (affiliate link) Church Answers Platinum Membership FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: The Rooted experience can help you create a discipleship culture that connects your people and leads to ongoing life change in Jesus. Rooted is… A proven plan for helping people connect to God, their church, and their purpose A sustainable way to launch groups An approach to discipleship that helps people step out of their comfort zones and experience life-changing rhythms of discipleship An opportunity to change the culture of your church Visit experiencerooted.com/churchanswers for free resources to help you learn more, including the What is Rooted? video and a free download of the Rooted experience framework and Rooted Workbook sample.   The Power of Partnership. Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, empowering local churches to use sports as a dynamic connection tool to engage their communities. Start Preparing Now for 2026! Looking ahead to what’s next in your ministry? Create an outreach strategy that includes a warm invite for the whole family – use sports as that invite. Whether it’s basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball, pickleball, or running for adults, Upward Sports is ready to support your church in reaching families right in the heart of your community. All you need is access to a gym or field and one passionate leader — Upward will support you with the rest. A Variety of Sports for Every Church. From basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, and baseball to running for adults — and now pickleball — Upward Sports offers flexible league options to fit your church’s unique needs. Exciting News: Did you hear? Pickleball is the newest offering – Claim your TWO free net sets, while supplies last! Launched in April, pickleball is perfect for middle and high schoolers — easy to learn, quick to set up, and highly engaging. Whether you prefer a traditional league or a flexible practice-and-play format, Upward Sports is here to guide you. Plus, to help you get started, Upward is offering two free Pickleball Net Sets when you create your league. But act fast — only 200 sets are available! Schedule your call today and build a purposeful pickleball ministry in your community. Learn more at www.Upward.org/Pickleball where you can access an equipment list, court dimensions, and more. Be the Neighborhood Church. Want to create a welcoming space for families? Upward Sports provides a first-class, well-organized, and fun league experience. As a self-sustaining ministry, any church — big or small — can get started. Customize your outreach ministry today. Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers. The post The Burge Report: The Kids Aren’t Alright—And Church Student Ministry Might Actually Help appeared first on Church Answers.

Doctrine, expectations, and high standards do not scare people away from church. Confusion is the main enemy. According to Church Answers Research, over 60% of unchurched people agree or strongly agree that churches are confusing for outsiders—and shockingly, 60% of churchgoers say the same. Higher confusion and lower trust levels mean the unchurched have doubts about raising their families and discovering their talents in the context of the church. While attendees overwhelmingly believe the church is a good place to raise families (85%) and discover their talents (75%), the unchurched do not share the same perception. Only 44% of the unchurched agree or strongly agree the church is a good place to raise families. Additionally, only 29% of the unchurched agree or strongly agree that the church is a good place to discover and grow their talents. Both groups recognize that what happens inside the church often lacks clarity and accessibility. In this episode, Josh and Sam talk about how confusion creates distance—and how simple clarity can bring people closer to faith and community. Clarity is kindness—explain everything, assume nothing. Offer a regular membership class that covers belief, belonging, and behavior. Use simple language in your worship services, signage, and bulletins to make things understandable. Include a clear doctrinal overview—don’t hide what you believe or expect. Set realistic expectations for involvement early to avoid consumerism. Regularly evaluate your communication with unchurched people in mind—not just insiders. Resources: Smart Church Solutions The Revitalization at Shadowbrook Church Doctor of Educational Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights Church Answers Platinum Membership The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: Looking for a better way to manage your church or school facilities? eSPACE is the leading facility management software built specifically for churches. It helps you schedule events, manage work orders, and track assets – all in one place. You can even automate things like HVAC and door access to save time and money. Trusted by over 1,250 organizations – including some of the largest churches in the country. If you’re tired of spreadsheets, sticky notes, or last-minute maintenance emergencies, it’s time to check out eSPACE. Learn more and book a personalized demo at smartchurchsolutions.com/rainer/.     Shadowbrook Church members in Suwanee, Georgia, have rediscovered their first love–serving Christ and loving others.  But during Jerrod Rumley’s first two years as pastor, he was shepherding a divided congregation.  A small number of members seemed better suited for sharing gossip than the gospel. Older and younger members had relegated the Great Commission to the church staff.  Gen-Xers were comfortable in a congregation that placed few demands upon them.  Others were busy meeting community needs–yet seldom shared the gospel. Rumley needed guidance to unify his splintered congregation.  He knew exactly where to turn. Go to SBTS.edu/Unified to read about the steps Shadowbrook’s pastor took to erase barriers and revive the church’s passion for evangelism and discipleship.  Those same steps are available to you, and it begins at SBTS.edu/Unified. The post What Really Scares People Away from Church appeared first on Church Answers.

Many unchurched individuals believe churches are great for making friends but feel intimidated attending alone. A personal escort and genuine invitation can ease that anxiety. The focus should shift from institutional to relational, fostering connections that lead to faith. Hospitality teams need to prioritize emotional comfort, recognizing guests may be vulnerable. Ultimately, building friendships is essential before discussing conversion. This approach can significantly open doors for meaningful gospel conversations.

Sam talks with worship leaders Tara Banks and Nate Davis about building thriving, long-lasting worship ministries. Together, they unpack how to develop leaders who excel both on stage and in organization, create healthy pipelines for team recruitment and onboarding, and refine systems that support excellence in worship. With decades of ministry insight, Tara and Nate share practical steps for sustaining your own leadership while fostering teams that are united, prepared, and spiritually vibrant. Tara is a worship pastor and has served at Seacoast Church for 32 years. She is married with two boys, author of two books, and loves to see worship leaders step into their full potential. Nate has served the local church for 24 years as a worship pastor, songwriter, creative, and a builder of spaces for soul care. He’s married with four children and is passionate about helping leaders live well so they can lead well and leave a legacy that lasts. Resources: The Revitalization at Shadowbrook Church Doctor of Educational Ministry, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Smart Church Solutions The Worship Dept. Church Answers Platinum Membership FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: Shadowbrook Church members in Suwanee, Georgia, have rediscovered their first love–serving Christ and loving others.  But during Jerrod Rumley’s first two years as pastor, he was shepherding a divided congregation.  A small number of members seemed better suited for sharing gossip than the gospel. Older and younger members had relegated the Great Commission to the church staff.  Gen-Xers were comfortable in a congregation that placed few demands upon them.  Others were busy meeting community needs–yet seldom shared the gospel. Rumley needed guidance to unify his splintered congregation.  He knew exactly where to turn. Go to SBTS.edu/Unified to read about the steps Shadowbrook’s pastor took to erase barriers and revive the church’s passion for evangelism and discipleship.  Those same steps are available to you, and it begins at SBTS.edu/Unified.   Looking for a better way to manage your church or school facilities? eSPACE is the leading facility management software built specifically for churches. It helps you schedule events, manage work orders, and track assets – all in one place. You can even automate things like HVAC and door access to save time and money. Trusted by over 1,250 organizations – including some of the largest churches in the country. If you’re tired of spreadsheets, sticky notes, or last-minute maintenance emergencies, it’s time to check out eSPACE. Learn more and book a personalized demo at smartchurchsolutions.com/rainer/. The post Building a Worship Ministry that Excels On and Off the Stage appeared first on Church Answers.

If you’ve ever heard someone say, “I just don’t get anything out of that study,” you’re not alone. In today’s episode, Sam interviews Michael Kelley, Executive Director of the Rooted Network, and they dive into the top six frustrations people have with church curriculum. It’s too shallow. It’s not relatable. It’s poorly written. It’s not our church doctrine. It’s too long. It’s boring. These gripes aren’t just personal preferences; they signal that our discipleship strategy might need a tune-up. Good curriculum doesn’t just inform—it transforms. We talk about how to shift from frustration to fruitfulness. Vet curriculum for theological depth and clarity—don’t settle for fluff just because it’s popular. Choose studies that directly address real-life challenges your people are facing right now. Test studies with small pilot groups to catch weak spots in content or delivery before full rollout. Resources: Rooted Upward Sports Upward Sports: Pickleball Church Answers Platinum Membership FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights The Hope Initiative Episode Sponsors: The Rooted experience can help you create a discipleship culture that connects your people and leads to ongoing life change in Jesus. Rooted is… A proven plan for helping people connect to God, their church, and their purpose A sustainable way to launch groups An approach to discipleship that helps people step out of their comfort zones and experience life-changing rhythms of discipleship An opportunity to change the culture of your church Visit experiencerooted.com/churchanswers for free resources to help you learn more, including the What is Rooted? video and a free download of the Rooted experience framework and Rooted Workbook sample.   The Power of Partnership. Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, empowering local churches to use sports as a dynamic connection tool to engage their communities. Start Preparing Now for 2026! Looking ahead to what’s next in your ministry? Create an outreach strategy that includes a warm invite for the whole family – use sports as that invite. Whether it’s basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball, pickleball, or running for adults, Upward Sports is ready to support your church in reaching families right in the heart of your community. All you need is access to a gym or field and one passionate leader — Upward will support you with the rest. A Variety of Sports for Every Church. From basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, and baseball to running for adults — and now pickleball — Upward Sports offers flexible league options to fit your church’s unique needs. Exciting News: Did you hear? Pickleball is the newest offering – Claim your TWO free net sets, while supplies last! Launched in April, pickleball is perfect for middle and high schoolers — easy to learn, quick to set up, and highly engaging. Whether you prefer a traditional league or a flexible practice-and-play format, Upward Sports is here to guide you. Plus, to help you get started, Upward is offering two free Pickleball Net Sets when you create your league. But act fast — only 200 sets are available! Schedule your call today and build a purposeful pickleball ministry in your community. Learn more at www.Upward.org/Pickleball where you can access an equipment list, court dimensions, and more. Be the Neighborhood Church. Want to create a welcoming space for families? Upward Sports provides a first-class, well-organized, and fun league experience. As a self-sustaining ministry, any church — big or small — can get started. Customize your outreach ministry today. Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers. The post The Top 6 Gripes About Church Curriculum (and What to Do About Them) appeared first on Church Answers.